Counties Admit Challenges in Waste Collection and Disposal

The Council of Governors (CoG) has openly admitted that counties across Kenya are struggling significantly with waste management. During the second Africa Waste is Wealth Conference 2024, held on Tuesday, Wilber Ottichilo, the CoG’s chairperson for environment and climate change, highlighted the pressing issues that hinder effective waste collection and disposal in the country.

Understanding the Waste Management Crisis

The core of the problem, as articulated by Ottichilo, lies in a society that lacks adequate knowledge and practices for effective waste management. “The biggest challenge we have as county governments is that we are dealing with a society that does not know how to manage waste,” he stated. This sentiment reflects a broader awareness of the cultural and educational gaps that impede the implementation of waste management strategies at the community level.

Despite the existence of various waste management laws and regulations in Kenya, the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation remains vast. The CoG is actively seeking partnerships with various stakeholders in the industry to develop a clear, comprehensive, and integrated approach to waste management. Such collaboration is deemed essential to overcome the significant barriers that currently limit the effectiveness of existing policies.

The Role of Stakeholders in Waste Management

The Africa Waste is Wealth Conference, organized by TakaTaka Ni Mali, ALN Kenya, FlipFlopi, and the East African Business Council, served as a crucial platform for discussing sustainable waste management approaches and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. It also emphasized the proposed East African Plastic Policy Bill, which aims to tackle the rampant plastic pollution that threatens environmental sustainability.

Mamo Mamo, the Director General of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), underscored the necessity for every citizen to take an active role in sustainable waste management practices. He stressed the importance of segregating waste at the source to facilitate recycling efforts, urging Kenyans to adopt a more proactive approach to managing their waste. The notion of a community-led solution resonated throughout the conference, with calls for increased collaboration within the East African Community to effectively tackle the waste crisis.

Community Resistance and Implementation Challenges

One of the most pressing challenges noted by Ottichilo was the resistance from residents regarding the placement of dumpsites near their homes. This opposition complicates efforts to establish effective waste management infrastructure, as communities are often unwilling to accommodate waste disposal facilities in their vicinity. Such resistance highlights the need for greater public awareness and engagement in discussions surrounding waste management strategies.

Despite the robust legal framework governing waste management in Kenya, the challenge remains in translating these laws into actionable initiatives. The emphasis on collaboration between the public and private sectors is seen as crucial to addressing these challenges and fostering innovative solutions to waste management issues.

Global Perspectives on Waste Management

During the conference, the UK Deputy High Commissioner, Leigh Stubblefield, acknowledged Kenya’s strong commitment to combating plastic pollution. Through initiatives such as the ban on single-use plastic bags and the enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Act in 2022, Kenya has signaled its intent to take significant steps toward a more sustainable future. Stubblefield emphasized the importance of implementation, stating, “The next step is implementation and Kenya has the UK’s full support.”

The UK’s involvement in the circular economy agenda at the global policy level reinforces the collaborative spirit that is essential for effective waste management. The UK plays an active role in intergovernmental committees focused on plastic pollution, aiming to reduce environmental harm through collaborative efforts with nations like Kenya.

The Formation of the East Africa Waste Management Coalition

In a move aimed at tackling shared waste management challenges across the region, Carole Kariuki, CEO of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), announced plans to launch an East Africa Waste Management Coalition. This coalition aims to foster collaboration among governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society in addressing pressing issues such as plastic pollution and promoting recycling efforts.

The establishment of this coalition represents a significant step toward creating a unified front in the battle against waste management challenges. By leveraging the expertise and resources of diverse stakeholders, the coalition aims to inspire innovation in waste management practices, thereby addressing the systemic issues that have long plagued the sector.

Innovative Solutions to Waste Management Challenges

Private sector players are increasingly recognizing their role in addressing waste challenges. Luck Ochieng, managing director of Unilever Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, shared insights into his company’s partnership with Mr. Green Africa. This initiative focuses on buying plastic waste from waste pickers and recycling it into pellets, thereby contributing to the circular economy and reducing plastic waste in the environment.

Such innovative approaches highlight the potential for collaboration between private companies and local communities in tackling waste management issues. By creating economic opportunities for waste pickers and promoting recycling, these partnerships can foster sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the economy.

The Path Forward: A Collective Responsibility

As the conversation around waste management continues to evolve, it is clear that a collaborative approach is essential for meaningful progress. The involvement of various stakeholders—including government agencies, private sector entities, and local communities—will be crucial in developing effective waste management strategies that are both sustainable and culturally relevant.

Moving forward, there is a need for increased public awareness and education on waste management practices. Engaging communities in discussions about waste segregation, recycling, and sustainable disposal methods will empower citizens to take responsibility for their waste, ultimately leading to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

In conclusion, while the challenges facing waste management in Kenya are significant, the commitment to collaborative solutions and innovative practices offers a pathway toward a more sustainable future. As stakeholders come together to address these issues, there is hope that effective waste management can become a reality, benefiting not only the environment but also the communities that depend on it.